Ribbon bonding tools and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

A ribbon bonding tool including a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a tip portion. The tip portion includes a working surface between a front edge of the tip portion and a back edge of the tip portion. The working surface includes a region defining at least one of a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions. The working surface also defines at least one of (1) a first planar portion between the region and the front edge of the tip portion, and (2) a second planar portion between the region and the back edge of the tip portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/738,421 filed Jan. 10, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/145,676 filed Jul. 21, 2011, which claims the benefit of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/023273 filed Feb. 5, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/150,633; 61/150,596; 61/150,611; 61/150,625; 61/150,579; and 61/150,640, each of which was filed Feb. 6, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bonding tools used in ribbon bonding systems, and more particularly, to improved tip portions of ribbon bonding tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the processing and packaging of semiconductor devices, wire bonding continues to be a primary method of providing electrical interconnection between two locations within a package (e.g., between a die pad of a semiconductor die and a lead of a leadframe). To form wire loops to provide this interconnection, bonding tools (e.g., capillary tools used during ball bonding, wedge tools used in wedge bonding) are used to press a wire against a bonding location using ultrasonic, thermosonic, or thermocompressive energy.

In the assembly of certain devices (e.g., power semiconductor devices) ribbon bonding may be used to provide electrical interconnection between locations. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0163315 (entitled Ribbon Bonding Tool and Process) and 2007/0141755 (entitled Ribbon Bonding in an Electronic Package) relate to ribbon bonding and are incorporated herein by reference.

Various of the drawings disclosed herein (e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3F) are useful in explaining conventional ribbon bonding tools and systems, as well as ribbon bonding tools and systems according to the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates semiconductor die 110 supported by substrate 108 (e.g., leadframe 108). It is desired to provide a conductive interconnection between a location(s) on semiconductor die 110 (e.g., a die pad) and lead 108 a of leadframe 108. Ribbon loop 112 provides such interconnection and includes first bond 112 a and second bond 112 b (both bonded to portions of semiconductor die 110), as well a third bond 112 c on lead 108. Ribbon loop 112 is formed using ribbon bonding system 100 (e.g., a ribbon bonding machine). As is understood by those skilled in the art, a ribbon bonding system includes many conventional components and subsystems such as a material handling system, a vision system, a computer, and many others. However, for simplicity, only a few elements of ribbon bonding system 100 are shown. Such elements include ribbon bonding tool 102, ribbon guide 104, and cutting tool 106. During formation of ribbon loops (such as ribbon loop 112) a ribbon material is fed to ribbon bonding tool 102 from a ribbon supply (not shown) using ribbon guide 104. Ribbon bonding uses energy (e.g., ultrasonic energy to form bonds), and then, after formation of a ribbon loop, cutter 106 may be used to at least partially cut through the ribbon material prior to separation of the ribbon loop from the ribbon supply.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of ribbon bonding tool 102 engaged in aperture 114 a of ultrasonic transducer 114, where ribbon bonding tool 102 is aligned in aperture 114 a using flat surface side 102 k (in this case, front side 102 k). As is understood by those skilled in the art, transducer 114 causes a “scrubbing” motion at the tip portion 102 a, and particular, to working surface 102 b of ribbon bonding tool 102. FIGS. 3A-3F are various views of exemplary ribbon bonding tool 102. FIG. 3A is a front view of tool 102, FIG. 3B is a top view of tool 102 (illustrating flat surface side 102 k), FIG. 3C is a bottom view illustrating working surface 102 b, FIG. 3D is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 3A illustrating front edge 102 d of tip portion 102 a adjacent working surface 102 b, FIG. 3E is a side view of tool 102, and FIG. 3F is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 3E illustrating side edge 102 f 1 of tip portion 102 a adjacent working surface 102 b.

Certain ribbon bonding tools have features formed on the working surface such as those shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0163315 entitled Ribbon Bonding Tool and Process. FIG. 4A is an exemplary tip portion 102 a of a conventional ribbon bonding tool 102. Tip portion includes working surface 102 b, front edge 102 d, back edge 102 e, side edge 102 f 1, and side edge 102 f 2. Working surface 102 b defines protrusions 102 b 1 and recesses 102 b 2 (where the protrusions and recesses may be part of a waffle or grid pattern on the working surface), where recesses 102 b 2 are between protrusions 102 b 1. A typical scrubbing motion of a ribbon bonding tool is from front to back, along the direction of the ribbon. In FIG. 4A, the scrubbing would typically occur in direction “d” which extends in a direction from front edge 102 d to back edge 102 e.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of ribbon loop 112 including first bond 112 a bonded to bonding location 110. First bond 112 a is formed using a “waffle” type ribbon bonding tool (similar to that shown in FIG. 4A) which forms openings/recesses 112 a 2 between protrusions 112 a 1. Unfortunately, conventional waffle style ribbon bond tools suffer from a number of deficiencies. For example, the edges of the protrusions on the working surface of the ribbon bonding tool tend to leave an irregular edge in the heel region of the ribbon bond, which may initiate cracks 112 a 3 at some point during the life of the ribbon bond. Other limitations of existing ribbon bonding tools relate to ribbon looping difficulties, amongst others.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide improved ribbon bonding tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a ribbon bonding tool including a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a tip portion. The tip portion includes a working surface between a front edge of the tip portion and a back edge of the tip portion. The working surface includes a region defining at least one of a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions. The working surface also defines at least one of (1) a first planar portion between the region and the front edge of the tip portion, and (2) a second planar portion between the region and the back edge of the tip portion.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a ribbon bonding tool including a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a tip portion. The tip portion includes a working surface between a front edge of the tip portion and a back edge of the tip portion. The working surface defines a plurality of recesses, wherein a portion of the recesses defined by the working surface adjacent at least one of the front edge and the back edge are deeper than others of the recesses.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a ribbon bonding tool including a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a tip portion. The tip portion includes a working surface, wherein during engagement with a transducer of a ribbon bonding system, the working surface extends lower in a center region than (1) at a first surface region extending from a first edge of the working surface toward the center region, and (2) at a region extending from a second edge of the working surface toward the center region, a length of the first surface region being at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first edge to the second edge, a length of the second surface region being at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first edge to the second edge.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a ribbon bonding tool including a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a tip portion. The tip portion including a working surface. The tip portion includes two side wall portions on either side of the working surface wherein a ribbon path is defined between the side wall portions.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a ribbon bonding tool including a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a tip portion. The tip portion includes a working surface. The tip portion includes two side wall portions extending along an exterior surface of at least a portion of a back side of the ribbon bonding tool wherein a ribbon path is defined between the side wall portions.

The inventive ribbon bonding tools may also be integrated into inventive ribbon bonding systems including various elements such as bond head elements (e.g., ultrasonic transducers, ribbon cutter, ribbon material guides), as well as other elements.

Further, the invention may also be considered in connection with methods of forming ribbon loops. Such methods may include a step of forming a ribbon bond of a ribbon loop on a first bonding location, extending the ribbon material toward a second bonding location, forming another ribbon bond on the second bonding location, and separating the now completed ribbon loop from the ribbon supply (using a ribbon cutter, if desired, to assist in the separation). Such a method is accomplished using an inventive ribbon bonding tool (and other elements of a ribbon bonding system) according to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a side block diagram view of portions of a ribbon bonding system useful in explaining various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ribbon bonding tool engaged in a transducer useful in explaining various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3F are various views of the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a tip portion of a conventional ribbon bonding tool;

FIG. 4B is a portion of a ribbon loop formed using a conventional ribbon bonding tool;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tip portion of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a portion of a ribbon loop formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a tip portion of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a portion of a ribbon loop formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 6C-6H are perspective views of tip portions of ribbon bonding tools in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a portion of a conventional ribbon bonding tool;

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of a portion of a ribbon bond formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 8A-8B are perspective views of tip portions of ribbon bonding tools in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a side view of a portion of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of a portion of a ribbon bond formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10B-10C are various cross sectional views of the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 10A;

FIGS. 11A-11B are block diagram views of a portion of a conventional ribbon bonding tool;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a portion of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12B is a block diagram view of a portion of the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram front view of a portion of a conventional ribbon bonding tool;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram front view of a portion of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A-15B are perspective views of a tip portion of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A-16B are perspective views of a portion of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a working surface of a conventional ribbon bonding tool; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a working surface of a ribbon bonding tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the working surface (also known as a “foot”) of a ribbon bonding tool includes a region defining at least one of a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions (such as in a waffle or grid pattern). The working surface also defines at least one planar portion, along at least one edge of the working surface. FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 6C-6H illustrate an example of such a ribbon bonding tool, with FIGS. 5B and 6B illustrating portions of ribbon loops. The planar portions may have dimensions (e.g., width, height, etc.) that vary. The planar portions are not required to be perfectly flat or smooth, but rather are smoother or flatter than the edges of a standard waffle tool. Such planar portions tend to improve looping capability and reduction of crack initiation sites in the heel region of the ribbon loop.

FIG. 5A is a perspective bottom view of tip portion 502 a of a ribbon bonding tool. Tip portion 502 a includes working surface 502 b between front edge 502 d and back edge 502 e (and also defined between side edge 502 f 1 and side edge 502 f 2). Working surface 502 b includes a region defining protrusions 502 b 1 and recesses 502 b 2 (similar to a waffle pattern). Working surface 502 b also defines first planar portion 502 g 1 between the region and front edge 502 d, and second planar portion 502 g 2 between the region and back edge 502 e. In contrast to conventional waffle tools where the entire working surface defines protrusions/recesses, planar portions 502 g 1 and 502 g 2 leave smooth heel regions during ribbon looping with decreased potential for crack-initiation sites. The length L1 of the first planar portion (or the length L2 of the second planar portion) may be between 5-40 percent of the length L from front edge 502 d to back edge 502 e.

FIG. 5B illustrates a portion of ribbon loop 512 formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 5A. Portion 512 a of ribbon loop 512 corresponds to the region of working surface 502 b including protrusions 502 b 1 and recesses 502 b 2. More specifically, protrusions 512 b of portion 512 a correspond to recesses 502 b 2 of working surface 502 b, and recesses 512 c of portion 512 a correspond to protrusions 502 b 1 of working surface 502 b. Planar portions 512 d 1 and 512 d 2 correspond to planar portions 502 g 1 and 502 g 2 of working surface 502 b, and provide desirable heel regions “h” in ribbon loop 512.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5A, the region of working surface 502 b defining protrusions 502 b 1 and recesses 502 b 2 is mostly below a plane defined across planar portions 502 g 1 and 502 g 2 (i.e., the top of protrusions 502 b 1 is at substantially the same height as planar portions 502 g 1 and 502 g 2). However, the region could extend above a plane defined across planar portions 502 g 1 and 502 g 2.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, a perspective bottom view of tip portion 602 a of a ribbon bonding tool is shown. Tip portion includes working surface 602 b between front edge 602 d and back edge 602 e (and also defined between side edge 602 f 1 and side edge 602 f 2). Working surface 602 b includes a region defining protrusions 602 b 1. Working surface 602 b also defines first planar portion 602 g 1 between the region and front edge 602 d, second planar portion 602 g 2 between the region and back edge 602 e, third planar portion 602 g 3 between the region and side edge 602 f 2, and fourth planar portion 602 g 4 between the region and side edge 602 f 2. FIG. 6B illustrates portion 612 a of ribbon loop 612 formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 6A. Portion 612 a includes recesses 612 c corresponding to protrusions 602 b 1 of working surface 602, and planar portions 612 d 1 and 612 d 2. FIGS. 6C-6H are similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, where like reference numerals correspond to like elements of the ribbon bonding tool.

FIG. 6C illustrates tip portion 622 a including working surface 622 b between front edge 622 d, back edge 622 e, side edge 622 f 1, and side edge 622 f 2. Working surface 622 b includes a region defining two rows of diamond shaped protrusions 622 b 1. Working surface 622 b also defines first planar portion 622 g 1 between the region and front edge 622 d, second planar portion 622 g 2 between the region and back edge 622 e, third planar portion 622 g 3 between the region and side edge 622 f 1, and fourth planar portion 622 g 4 between the region and side edge 622 f 2. Of course, other shapes and configurations of protrusions on the working surface are contemplated.

FIG. 6D illustrates tip portion 632 a including working surface 632 b between front edge 632 d, back edge 632 e, side edge 632 f 1, and side edge 632 f 2. Working surface 632 b includes a region defining round shaped protrusions 632 b 1. Working surface 632 b also defines first planar portion 632 g 1 between the region and front edge 632 d, second planar portion 632 g 2 between the region and back edge 632 e, third planar portion 632 g 3 between the region and side edge 632 f 1, and fourth planar portion 632 g 4 between the region and side edge 632 f 2. FIG. 6E illustrates tip portion 642 a including working surface 642 b between front edge 642 d, back edge 642 e, side edge 642 f 1, and side edge 642 f 2. Working surface 642 b includes a region defining rectangular shaped protrusions 642 b 1. Working surface 642 b also defines first planar portion 642 g 1 between the region and front edge 642 d, second planar portion 642 g 2 between the region and back edge 642 e, third planar portion 642 g 3 between the region and side edge 642 f 1, and fourth planar portion 642 g 4 between the region and side edge 642 f 2.

The features on the working surface are not limited to protrusions, but may include recesses, or both recesses and protrusions. FIGS. 6F-6H illustrate exemplary configurations with recesses. FIG. 6F illustrates tip portion 652 a including working surface 652 b between front edge 652 d, back edge 652 e, side edge 652 f 1, and side edge 652 f 2. Working surface 652 b includes a region defining diamond shaped recesses 652 b 1. Working surface 652 b also defines first planar portion 652 g 1 between the region and front edge 652 d, second planar portion 652 g 2 between the region and back edge 652 e, third planar portion 652 g 3 between the region and side edge 652 f 1, and fourth planar portion 652 g 4 between the region and side edge 652 f 2. FIG. 6G illustrates tip portion 662 a including working surface 662 b between front edge 662 d, back edge 662 e, side edge 662 f 1, and side edge 662 f 2. Working surface 662 b includes a region defining round shaped recesses 662 b 1. Working surface 662 b also defines first planar portion 662 g 1 between the region and front edge 662 d, second planar portion 662 g 2 between the region and back edge 662 e, third planar portion 662 g 3 between the region and side edge 662 f 1, and fourth planar portion 662 g 4 between the region and side edge 662 f 2. FIG. 6H illustrates tip portion 672 a including working surface 672 b between front edge 672 d, back edge 672 e, side edge 672 f 1, and side edge 672 f 2. Working surface 672 b includes a region defining rectangular shaped recesses 672 b 1. Working surface 672 b also defines first planar portion 672 g 1 between the region and front edge 672 d, second planar portion 672 g 2 between the region and back edge 672 e, third planar portion 672 g 3 between the region and side edge 672 f 1, and fourth planar portion 672 g 4 between the region and side edge 672 f 2.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a portion of a conventional ribbon bonding tool with working surface 702 b having a waffle configuration, with a phantom view of a portion of working surface 702 b. Working surface 702 b includes protrusions 702 b 1 (also known as teeth) and recesses 702 b 2 (also known as grooves). End recesses 702 b 2 e have the same depth as other recesses 702 b 2. Thus, recesses 702 b 2/702 b 2 e across working surface 702 b define a groove plane GP that is substantially flat and parallel to the bottom surface (labeled as bottom surface plane BSP) of the ribbon bonding tool. FIG. 7B illustrates a portion of ribbon loop 712 formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 7A. Ribbon loop 712 includes protrusions 712 c, and recesses 712 c (where recesses 712 c have the same depth as end recesses 712 c 1).

FIGS. 8A-8B are bottom perspective views of tip portions 802 a/852 a of ribbon bonding tools according to the present invention including recesses of varying depths. FIG. 8A illustrates working surface 802 b including protrusions 802 b 1 (also known as teeth) and recesses 802 b 2/802 b 2 e. End recesses 802 b 2 e along the front and back edge of tip portion 802 a are deeper than other recesses 802 b 2, thereby resulting in longer protrusions/teeth adjacent the front and back edge of tip portion 802 a. FIG. 8B illustrates working surface 852 b including protrusions 852 b 1 and recesses 852 b 2/852 b 2 e. End recesses 852 b 2 e along the front and back edge of tip portion 852 a are deeper than other recesses 852 b 2, thereby resulting in longer protrusions/teeth adjacent the front and back edge of tip portion 852 a. The deeper recesses along the front and back edges allow for thicker ribbon material in a heel region of a ribbon loop formed using the ribbon bonding tool.

FIG. 9A is a side view of a portion of ribbon bonding tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with working surface 902 b having a waffle configuration or the like, with a phantom view of a portion of working surface 902 b. Working surface 902 b includes protrusions 902 b 1 (also known as teeth) and recesses 902 b 2 (also known as grooves). End recesses 902 b 2 e are deeper than recesses 902 b 2 in the center portion of working surface 902 b. In fact, the recesses follow a profile that is deepest at the front and back edges of working surface 902 b, and shallowest in a center region of working surface 902 b. Thus, recesses 902 b 2/902 b 2 e across working surface 902 b define a curved groove plane GP (the groove plane GP following the shape of working surface 902 b at the bottom of the recesses/grooves). FIG. 9B illustrates a portion of ribbon loop 912 formed using the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 9A. Ribbon loop 912 includes protrusions 912 b, and recesses 912 c, 912 c 1, and 912 c 2. The center recesses 912 c are shallowest, and end recesses 912 c 2 are the deepest, with recesses 912 c 1 having a depth between that of recesses 912 c and that of recesses 912 c 2. Of course, protrusions 912 b will be longer where the recesses are deeper, and shorter when the recesses are shallower, thereby improving the heel strength of the ribbon bonds formed using such a tool.

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of tip portion 1002 a of a ribbon bonding tool including working surface 1002 b (where working surface 1002 b includes a waffle configuration including protrusions/teeth and recesses/grooves). FIGS. 10B-10C are sectional views of the ribbon bonding tool of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B is a sectional view cut across a groove between rows of protrusions 1002 b 1 (where the recesses 1002 b 2 are between adjacent protrusions 1002 b 1), where the varying recess depth defines curved groove plane GP. FIG. 10C is a sectional view cut across a row of protrusions 1002 b 1, illustrating that end recesses 1002 b 2 e are deeper than recesses 1002 b 2, thereby defining the curved groove plane. The curved groove plane GP illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C extends from front edge 1002 d of working surface 1002 b to back edge 1002 e of working surface 1002 b (and not from side edge 1002 f 1 to side edge 1002 f 2).

While FIGS. 9A and 10A illustrate a curved groove plane GP, other configurations are contemplated where the recess/groove depths are deeper adjacent the front and back edges and shallower at the center of the working surface. For example, the grooves could follow an angled, as opposed to a curved, profile.

While the groove plane GP is illustrated as curving along the front to back direction (i.e., from the front edge of the working surface to the back edge of the working surface), the groove plane GP could extend from one side edge of the working surface to the other side edge of the working surface. Further, the working surface of the ribbon bonding tool could have a curved (or varying depth) groove plane that extends in both the front to back direction (as in FIG. 9A) and in the side to side direction (not shown). That is, a depth of the plurality of recesses follows a profile such that a depth of the recesses is shallower at a central portion of the working surface, and increases in each direction extending toward a periphery of the working surface.

While FIGS. 9A and 10A-10C illustrate ribbon bonding tools including a curved groove plane, the bottom surface of the tool continues to be substantially flat (i.e., extending along plane “BSP” shown in FIGS. 9A and 10C). Ribbon bonding tools having a flat bottom surface may suffer from a number of deficiencies. In certain configurations of the present invention (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B and 14) it may be desirable that the bottom surface be curved (or otherwise be varied along its length).

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11B, portions of conventional ribbon bonding tool 1102 are shown. As is understood by those skilled in the art, in order to generate the front to back scrub (in a direction along the length of the ribbon material) desired for forming ribbon bonds, tip portion 1102 a rotates about its first transverse vibration node N, located a distance L from working surface 1102 b. This distance L is dependent on various factors such resonant frequency, tool material characteristics, etc. Exemplary distances L (and therefore the radius) are between 2-15 mm, 2-10 mm, and 3-5 mm. A standard bond tool has a flat bottom surface that undesirably imparts significant vertical vibration to the bond surface. More specifically, during the rotation about node N, front and back corners 1150, 1152 fall below the level of the bottom surface in its resting state. A potential consequence is that the corners 1150, 1152 generate a vertical vibration or force oscillation in the work surface.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrates tip portion 1202 a of a ribbon bonding tool which includes working surface 1202 b. The bottom surface of the ribbon bonding tool has a curved profile from front edge 1202 d to back edge 1202 e in order to minimize or eliminate vertical excitation of a bond surface during bonding. The radius of the curved profile may be configured as desired. In the illustrated example, the radius R is designed to be equal to the distance L between the bottom surface of the tip portion and the location of the first node N. That is, because the bottom surface is shorter at its edge portions, it is less likely to cause the excitation problems associated with conventional tools having a flat bottom surface.

Although FIGS. 12A-12B are illustrated as including a curved profile the entire length of the working surface from the front edge to the back edge, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any of a number of configurations are possible wherein the working surface extends lower in a center region than (1) at a first surface region extending from a first edge of the working surface toward the center region, and (2) at a second surface region extending from a second edge of the working surface toward the center region. For example, the first and second surface regions may be chamfered, curved, etc. so long as the areas adjacent the first and second edge are shorter than the center area between the first edge and the second edge. For example, the first and second surface regions may be at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first edge to the second edge. In such an embodiment, the total percentage of the length from the first edge to the second edge that has a reduced length/height is at least 50% (where the remainder of the working surface, such as the center portion, may be flat).

FIGS. 12A-12B relate to examples of the present invention where the bottom surface follows a curved profile in a direction from the front edge to the back edge in order to address the potential vertical excitation problem caused by the rotation of the ribbon bonding tool about the node. However, conventional tools having a flat working surface suffer from other deficiencies. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of tip portion 1300 a of a ribbon bonding tool. Thus, front edge 1302 d is shown extending between side edge 1302 f 1 to side edge 1302 f 2. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, bonding locations (e.g., die pads) are often tilted or not flat. If the surface of the bonding location is excessively tilted, ribbon bond formation will be uneven. In extreme cases, the ribbon bonding tool could sink completely through the ribbon on one side, touching the fragile die. FIG. 13 illustrates a tilted bonding location 1310 (e.g., a tilted die pad on a semiconductor die). In this illustration, tip portion 1300 a of the ribbon boning tool is pressed through most of portion 1312 a of ribbon 1312. Thus, it is possible that a portion of working surface 1302 b adjacent side edge 1302 f 2 (e.g., the corner) could contact and damage bonding location 1310.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of tip portion 1400 a of a ribbon bonding tool. Thus, front edge 1402 d is shown extending between side edge 1402 f 1 and side edge 1402 f 2. Unlike working surface 1302 b illustrated in FIG. 13 (which is flat), working surface 1402 b of tip portion 1400 a follows a curved path between side edge 1402 f 1 and side edge 1402 f 2. Such a curved path tends to minimize the impact of bonding location tilt (e.g., die tilt) on ribbon bond formation. While such a curved working surface may result in weaker bonding on the outside edges of the ribbon material, the curvature may be designed for an application to provide adequate bonding results. Thus, while the curved surface will tend to result in a variation of the bond strength (e.g., biased to one side) overall bond consistency should improve. Additionally, there is a reduced potential for contact between a portion (e.g., corner) of the ribbon bonding tool and the die or other bonding locations. The height difference h between a side edge and a center point between the side edges may be between, for example, 1-10 mils, but of course may vary considerably based on the application.

Although FIG. 14 illustrates a curved profile from side edge 1402 f 1 to side edge 1402 f 1, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any of a number of configurations are possible wherein the working surface extends lower in a center region than (1) at a first surface region extending from a first side edge of the working surface toward the center region, and (2) at a second surface region extending from a second side edge of the working surface toward the center region. For example, the first and second surface regions may be chamfered, curved, etc. so long at the areas adjacent the first and second edge are shorter than the center area between the first edge and the second edge. For example, the first and second surface regions may be at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first side edge to the second side edge.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, ribbon bonding systems may include a ribbon guide (such as guide 104 in FIG. 1) to direct the ribbon material to a ribbon bonding tool, and to facilitate ribbon looping. In FIG. 1, ribbon guide 104 directs the ribbon material (e.g., the material of ribbon loop 112) under ribbon bonding tool 102. In certain ribbon bonding applications (e.g., smaller width ribbon applications), the separate ribbon guide may not be adequate to consistently position the ribbon with the desired accuracy.

FIGS. 15A-15B and 16A-16B illustrate tip portions of ribbon bonding tool that include integrated ribbon guides for guiding the ribbon material under the working surface completely external to the ribbon bonding tool. The integrated ribbon guides are designed to assist in the control of the side-to-side position of the ribbon under the working surface of the ribbon bonding tool. Depending on the application, such designs may (or may not) be used in connection with conventional ribbon guides such as element 104 shown in FIG. 1. The integrated guide will also simplify the complexity of the bond head setup for a ribbon bonding system because the ribbon guide alignment (to the ribbon bonding tool) may be less critical.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 15A-15B, perspective views of tip portion 1502 a of ribbon bonding tool 1502 are provided. Working surface 1502 b is defined between two side wall portions 1502 sw 1 and 1502 sw 2. Side wall portion 1502 sw 1 is provided along side edge 1502 f 1, and side wall portion 1502 sw 2 is provided along side edge 1502 f 2. Side wall portion 1502 sw 1 includes tapered/angled side wall 1502 t 1, and side wall portion 1502 sw 2 includes tapered/angled side wall 1502 t 2. As shown in FIG. 15A, side wall portions 1502 sw 1 and 1502 sw 2 extend partially up to back side 1502 bs. Ribbon material (e.g., part of ribbon loop 1512 shown in FIG. 15B) is guided from a ribbon supply to a path defined between side wall portions 1502 sw 1 and 1502 sw 2 to working surface 1502 b. Side wall portions 1502 sw 1 and 1502 sw 2 (which extend partially along back side 1502 bs) channel the ribbon material to the desired position under working surface 1502 b from back edge 1502 e to front edge 1502 d. The angled configurations of side wall portions 1502 sw 1 and 1502 sw 2 assist in the channeling of the ribbon material. The height of side wall portions 1502 sw 1 and 1502 sw 2 is preferably small enough that the side wall portions do not touch the bond surface under normal bonding conditions. The width between side wall portions 1502 sw 1 and 1502 sw 2 may be substantially the same as the width of the ribbon material being bonded, considering manufacturing tolerances of the ribbon material.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 16A-16B, perspective views of tip portion 1602 a of ribbon bonding tool 1602 are provided. Side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 extend along a portion of back side 1602 bs of ribbon bonding tool 1602. Side wall portion 1602 sw 1 includes tapered/angled side wall 1602 t 1, and side wall portion 1602 sw 2 includes tapered/angled side wall 1602 t 2. As shown in FIG. 15A, side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 extend partially down to working surface 1602 b. Ribbon material (e.g., part of ribbon loop 1612 shown in FIG. 16B) is guided from a ribbon supply to a path defined between side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 to working surface 1602 b. Side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 channel the ribbon material to the desired position under working surface 1602 b from back edge 1602 e to front edge 1602 d. The angled configurations of side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 assist in the channeling of the ribbon material. If the side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 extend partially along working surface 1602 b, then the height of at least that portion of side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 is preferably small enough that the side wall portions do not touch the bond surface under normal bonding conditions. As with FIGS. 15A-15B, the width between side wall portions 1602 sw 1 and 1602 sw 2 may be substantially the same as the width of the ribbon material being bonded, considering manufacturing tolerances of the ribbon material.

The various exemplary ribbon bonding tools disclosed herein may have varying characteristics. For example, while certain of the drawings disclose the working surface as being substantially planar (e.g., FIGS. 12A-12B, FIG. 14, FIGS. 15A-15B, and FIGS. 16A-16B), it is understood that any of the tools may have a working surface with a waffle or grid configuration or other configuration defining a plurality of protrusions and recesses (e.g., such as shown in others of the drawings). FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of working surface 1702 b of a conventional ribbon bonding tool, where working surface 1702 b defines a plurality of protrusions 1702 b 1 (and recesses as illustrated) in a waffle type configuration. Protrusions 1702 b 1 define sharp edges SE which undesirably can damage the ribbon material being bonded, and may undesirably contribute to build-up of ribbon material in the waffle pattern. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of working surface 1802 b of an inventive ribbon bonding tool, where working surface 1802 b defines a plurality of protrusions 1802 b 1 (and recesses as illustrated) in a waffle type configuration. In contrast to sharp edges SE in FIG. 17, protrusions 1802 b 1 define rounded edges RE. For example, corners of protrusions/teeth 1802 b 1, may be rounded if they are sharper than 1 mil, with a maximum of 2 mils.

Various embodiments of the present invention include features on or adjacent the working surface of a ribbon bonding tool including, for example, protrusions/teeth, recesses/grooves, rounded edges, side walls portions, amongst others. Such features may be formed by various methods (e.g., using computer control) including, for example, laser-machining, fluid-jet milling, direct molding, mechanical grinding, or EDM (electrical discharge machining).

Although the present invention includes the aforementioned features (e.g., protrusions/teeth, recesses/grooves, rounded edges, side walls portions) having exemplary shapes/dimensions, it is understood that alternative shapes/dimensions are contemplated.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A ribbon bonding tool comprising: a body portion including a tip portion, the tip portion including a working surface, at least a portion of the working surface following a curved path, the portion including an area of the working surface extending away from a first edge of the working surface, the portion also including an area of the working surface extending away from a second edge of the working surface, the portion of the working surface following the curved path includes at least 50% of a length between the first edge and the second edge.
 2. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 1 wherein the portion of the working surface following the curved path includes an entire length between the first edge and the second edge.
 3. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 2 wherein the first edge is a front edge and a second edge is the back edge.
 4. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 2 wherein the first edge is a first side edge and the second edge is a second side edge.
 5. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 1 wherein the first edge is a front edge and a second edge is the back edge.
 6. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 1 wherein the first edge is a first side edge and the second edge is a second side edge.
 7. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 1 for use in an ultrasonic system wherein the curved path is defined by a radius extending from (1) a location of the ribbon bonding tool that coincides with a first vibrational node of the ribbon bonding tool in the ultrasonic system to (2) the working surface.
 8. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 7 wherein the radius is between 2-15 mm.
 9. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 7 wherein the radius is between 2-10 mm.
 10. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 7 wherein the radius is between 3-5 mm.
 11. A ribbon bonding system comprising: a transducer; and a ribbon bonding tool supported by the transducer, the ribbon bonding tool including a body portion including a tip portion, the tip portion including a working surface, at least a portion of the working surface following a curved path, the portion including an area of the working surface extending away from a first edge of the working surface, the portion also including an area of the working surface extending away from a second edge of the working surface, the portion of the working surface following the curved path includes at least 50% of a length between the first edge and the second edge.
 12. A ribbon bonding tool comprising: a body portion including a tip portion, the tip portion including a working surface, wherein during engagement with a transducer of a ribbon bonding system, the working surface extends lower in a center region than (1) at a first surface region extending from a first edge of the working surface toward the center region, and (2) at a second surface region extending from a second edge of the working surface toward the center region, a length of the first surface region being at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first edge to the second edge, a length of the second surface region being at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first edge to the second edge.
 13. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 12 wherein the first surface region is chamfered in a direction from the first edge toward the center region, and the second surface region is chamfered in a direction from the second edge toward the center region.
 14. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 12 wherein the first surface region is curved in a direction from the first edge toward the center region, and the second surface region is curved in a direction from the second edge toward the center region.
 15. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 12 wherein the first edge is a front edge and a second edge is the back edge.
 16. The ribbon bonding tool of claim 12 wherein the first edge is a first side edge and the second edge is a second side edge.
 17. A ribbon bonding system comprising: a transducer; and a ribbon bonding tool supported by the transducer, the ribbon bonding tool including a body portion including a tip portion, the tip portion including a working surface, wherein during engagement with a transducer of a ribbon bonding system, the working surface extends lower in a center region than (1) at a first surface region extending from a first edge of the working surface toward the center region, and (2) at a second surface region extending from a second edge of the working surface toward the center region, a length of the first surface region being at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first edge to the second edge, a length of the second surface region being at least 25% of a length of the working surface from the first edge to the second edge. 